Ladies Night

Last night Alex, Danielle, and I painted the town. Our first stop was to Costa Vida (excellent choice Danielle). We all got the exact same thing, mainly because we are of the exact same coolness, and daintily devoured our sweet pork salads. After the feast of a lifetime, we went to Sparetime in Roy for some classic, slightly ghetto, bowling. Alex bowled a record breaking 71. Awesome. We spent more time taking pictures than we did bowling. They had a photobooth at Sparetime, and, being the miraculously photogenic characters we are, we decided to go try and pile in. Great news. There were some GORGEOUS individuals already using the booth, which meant we had to wait. Clad in leopard headbands, flannel shirts, and leg-ins, they definitely had us beat in the trashy catagory. Then we noticed Alex's pimple and we felt much closer to their level. Classy. Finally it was our turn. I have never been more cramped in my life. We took 8 photos, 4 of which are basically mine and Alex's eyes peeking over Danielle's enormous noggin. The girls spent the night at my house. Alex colored her hair extensions, Danielle kicked Alex square in the forehead, and I didn't stop cackling all night. Welcome to a typical get together of what I shall now refer to as the Ya-Ya sisters. Splendid. Action shot. We aren't sure what Danielle is doing--probably something in appropriate. Hence mine and Alex's faces.
This is our Olsen Twin impersonation. Alex did a WAY better job than I. Bummer.
I think Danielle is trying to be a pin. I'm not sure. All I know is that it's a wonder we didn't get thrown out. I'm super glad I look constipated. Oh how I love them. Especially Alex's chins. Nevermind that Danielle looks slightly chemically imbalanced.

He Said It

Finally. And it couldn't have been more perfect.

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow... oh and Jazz

The day after Christmas, Dewy and I got the chance to double with my friend Makelle, and Dewy's cousin CJ to the Jazz game. We sat 5th row (thanks to Makelle's dad) and had a complete blast. We love the Jazz and any chance we have to go is fabulous. Mainly I think Makelle wanted a date with CJ and we were her ticket but I'll take it. Mmmm.. He makes my heart pitter pat.
Ok so I know its an awkward picture but I was trying to get a shot of my girlfriend Heidi. She is a Jazz Dancer and if you look at the row on the right she is the third in line. Blonde. She is a doll and I love her.
The team at a timeout.
Just D Will. No big.
Not to worry, it merely took 2 and a half hours to get home from Salt Lake. Great news. Utah is poor and can't afford to plow or salt the freeway. It was a complete joke. We drove at 35 the entire way there and back, which was fine because Dewy kept us safe, but some awesome Speds decided they needed to go faster and wrecked hard core northbound in Layton. We were at a literal stand still for 45 minutes. The cleared the freeway of all traffic, and the merging of four lanes to one exit lane was a mess. Thank you wannabe NASCAR racers.

Tis the Season

This is to be a long, slightly random post. You have been warned. The first item on the agenda is pictures documenting the Hodges' Christmas party: Say hello to Dewy's youngest sister Miss Gentrie. She is darling.
We all broke up into three teams. Each team was given a bag of props and we came up with little Christmas skits. This lovely bunch was my team. We did Frosty the snowman.
I mentioned in an earlier post that Dewy wore a dress. This is documented proof. What a loon.
The next item to cover is Dewy's mystery Christmas gift. Now, mind you I had been warned that I would love the gift, it had sentimental value, AND I was never going to guess what it was. All three prophesies (if you can call them that without being blasphemous) have been fulfilled. Behold: The gifts!! I was feeling a little embarrassed because his family was watching me open all my gifts. I always get embarrassed when people give me things--I'm not sure why-- and even more so when others are watching. The Hodges spoiled me.
The kid caved and bought a UTE blanket!! For those of you with whom I discussed the gift I got him, just know he is a better person than I am. I made him a quilt, and I contemplated purchasing BYU material and then I backed out realizing that thing may have to be in my house.
This was the long awaited gift, and don't you worry, Nan got it all on camera. Enjoy these action shots.



I look like I'm crying. Trust me, I'm not.

Yes ladies and gents those are a BRAND SPANKIN NEW SET OF GOLF CLUBS and they are purple! Let me explain the sentimental value. Last summer, Dewy taught me how to golf and we had a blast on the course. Dewy is an avid golfer and upon opening his gift, he explained that he would be golfing a lot and he wanted me with him on the course, not sitting at home by myself. Love it!

The next event would be Christmas morning at my house. I always love this morning (which is a rare thing because I'm a wretch in the morning). The kids sleep in my room Christmas eve, and at 7 a.m. without fail we wake up mom and dad. We begin the morning with prayer in our parents bedroom, then we make our way down to discover the goodies Santa left, which is followed by opening gifts from each other. This year I got completely spoiled. A camera, the seasons of The Office, the Office board game, clothes, lip gloss, make up, and all sorts of other things. It was great. One of the funny moments of the morning was Nick. We open gifts in order of youngest to oldest. Nick had just opened a 6 pack of socks from mom and dad when I unwrapped an entire outfit. It seemed a little unfair but we made a joke about it the rest of the day. I wonder who the favorite is :D Christmas was awesome. I'm thankful for the chance I had to spend it with close friends and family I care so deeply for. What an amazing season to keep our focus on others, specifically a Savior of the world.

TAGGED!

Here are the rules:

1. Go to your pictures.
2. Upload the 4th picture from the 4th folder
3. Post (explain?)
4. Tag your friends

Here goes nothing! They are so going to kill me.
Ladies don't be upset I had to follow the rules! This picture was taken at the premire of Twilight. As you can see my friends are C-L-A-S-S-Y. Alex and Danielle. What more can I say?

I tag: Angela, Camie, Malissa, and Emily.

Men in dresses + Pocket knives + brunch= Hodges' Family Christmas Party

This saturday I had the wonderful opportunity to attent Dewy's family Christmas shin dig. We ate brunch, which may I add was a stupendous array of waffles, fruit, sausage, and bacon, played games and bonded.

I officially ADORE Dewy's grandpa, Larry. The man is so funny. He came and sat by me as Dewy got up for a minute to help his mom and Larry said, "If I get to sit by her I get to neck with her." Fabulous.

After brunch, we split up into three teams and each team was given a bag full of props. The goal was the come up with a skit that told a Christmas story (our team's was Frosty) and use every single prop. Dewy's uncle, Cameron, was on my team and he about jumped at the chance to wear a dress. Not kidding. Then again, Dewy was decked out in a coral pleated ensemble with a shawl and a curly red wig. Awesome.

I discovered it a tradition that they give out pocket knives. I thought it was strange but I was down with it. All the girls were given a knife, which meant, at 20 years old I finally received my first pocket knife. Now what on earth do I do with it? I adore Dewy's family. They make me feel so welcome! My favorite part of the day was when Dewy took them all into his bedroom to show them what he got me for Christmas. I tried to sneak in too, but alas I was caught, scolded, and returned to the family room. All I know is all the girls were gushing about how sentimental and cute it was. Everyone knows what it is but me. All I know is it's too big to put in a box to wrap and if he doesn't box it I'll know what it is just by looking at it, it was expensive, I'm going to love it, and all the women were impressed by it. Hmm...

Long Time Coming

This post has been on my mind for some time now. Although the event was a few weeks ago, I felt the description needed my utmost attention, and as such required a great deal of contemplation before I began. Here is what happened.

It was about 10:30 one night and Alex and Danielle were at my house. We had discussed the nights activities before hand, and it was time to put our ideas to action. The journey began, as most do, with a trip to Wal Mart. Alex drove. That was our first mistake, we should have realized our victim would recognize her car. While in the store, we purchased sardines, syrup, flour, feminine products, and toilet paper. As we piled back into the car, we headed for Buchanon Street above Harrison as was the location of our victim. He would be on his way home from school at that time, Alex claimed, and our plan was to seek some revenge on his new Cadillac. We staked out the place first, and noticed he had not yet made it home. Not wanting to be caught, we took a small joy ride back down to Harrison. I spied a shiny black Cadillac in the drive up at a gas station and Alex immediately sped onto a back rode to hide. We parked and watched this gentleman, who really wasn't a gentleman, leave the gas station and head home. Yes I know. We are creeps. We headed back up 23rd street and parked a ways away from his home. Alex was sent to make sure his car was in the driveway. Clothed in anxiety, Alex sprinted across the and down the road to his home. Her phone call notified us that he was there. Danielle and I loaded our pockets and hands with our amo and met up with Alex who, not kidding, was answering nature's call in the middle of the road. Classy. Luckily we had toilet paper. Upon approach, we noticed that the black car in the driveway wasn't the Cadillac but was actually his mother's Audi. Cripes. We turned to race back to Alex's car, and tampons fell from our pockets the entire way leaving a trail that would later prove our visit. We decided to take another little joy ride around the back streets until he got home. While jamming to Christmas music, Danielle commented on the bright lights headed our way. "Looks like a Cadillac," I added. We passed the car which proceeded to notice us, flip around, and follow. It was him. Alex immediately transforms into Richard Petti and we begin flying down the back roads at 78 miles per hour. The Cadillac was fast on our tail. Alex was shouting profanities and launching our amo that was in her lap into Danielle's face in the back seat. We careened down the streets until finally reaching Harrison, which is where the stalker gave up his chase and headed for home. We were busted, Alex almost killed us, and none of it was caught on camera. Boo. There is never a dull moment when the three of us are together. My only regret is not getting Alex's NASCAR skills on camera.

Family Pictures... Here they are

Here are some of the family pictures! Nick took his senior pictures that day as well so I included one of him. Kaylee had a school picture taken too. Enjoy.



This picture is one of my favorites!

Family Pictures

Kaylee was sucking the fun out of the photo shoot and apparently she began to choke so I had to save her. I accept high fives and cash for my heroic efforts. As always mom has her hand on her hip laughing at our stupidity. We took girls picture and boys pictures and the pics where we are being retarded are my favorites. Stay tuned for the rest of the photos tomorrow.

Just a post...Merely to say I posted.

I'm not sure why I let people get to me, but for some reason I do. And it's annoying. I wasted half my precious day being in a wretched mood because I let stupid comments irk me. However, I managed to somewhat make up for it at the end of the day by being a spaz and dancing around like a fool.

Today I noticed the bell ringer at Lee's wasn't wearing gloves and it was cold. I made it a point to bring gloves back on my lunch for her (because as mentioned in my earlier post I had to start helping). I was so excited to offer my gloves to her and when I walked up there I said hello and rattled off something about her using my gloves. She turned me down flat and went on ringing that bloody bell. Boo. Better luck next time.

Also. Thanks to my darling friend Emily I will be spending tomorrow night with my man on the 14th row watching the Jazz play the Trailblazers. Hoot hoot. Tomorrow will be a good day. Wake up early to take my last final, write Danielle's 12 page paper because let's face it I'm a pro and a PHENOMINAL friend, run, tan, nap, and Jazz. Oh and work on that secret present I have to get finished for Dewy. Possibly watch Elf with Mom. Who knows. Oh! And lunch with Heidi and Jordan! Can life get any better? I submit that it cannot. Except I'm going to miss my Dodgeball debut on the news. Meh.

Too blessed to be stressed

Sometimes I wonder why I was blessed with the life I have. I have my fair share of difficulties and trials, yet I find myself undoubtedly happy with my situations. When I woke up this morning I was uncharacteristically in a good mood. I'm a wretch in the morning and I'll be the first to admit it. Mornings irk me. As I got ready for work I contemplated my day. I was to spend the day stuck in an office for 10 hours, serving the public, pretending to care about their lives when I realized I really do care. The thought struck me and I immediately remembered the Session Director from my week as an EFY counselor. The night before EFY began, the counselors met for a training/fireside. During the training the Director explained that if we would lose ourselves in service of the youth, we would find ourselves. At the moment I was slightly confused and as he expounded he read the scripture stating that those who lose themselves for the Lord's sake shall find themselves. He promised that if we allowed ourselves, we would immediately feel a love for those we served.

This thought struck me and stayed with me throughout the day. As I drove to work, I noticed people standing at the bus stop and I felt deep gratitude for my car. I had shelter from the bitter cold, all because for some reason I was blessed to be able to afford a car. The entire day I was mindful, for some odd reason, of everything I had that others didn't, and by the time the day was over I felt a renewed desire to serve. Maybe it's the season that put this wild hair in me, or maybe I finally decided to think of someone else for a change. Here nor there, I feel like I have so much I could do and yet I am at a loss for where to begin.

I have a warm bed, when people are freezing. I can go get a snack when I get bored and others haven't eaten for days. I have an education and there are adults who struggle to read. I can afford a tank of gas and I met a woman who can only afford to fill her tank once a year. No lie. I have a family who supports me, and others don't even know their own father. What did I do to deserve my life? I have to do something.

A Successful and Festive Saturday

Saturday night after work was quite eventful. The evening began with a work Christmas/service party at Angela's. I'm not going to lie. I was extremely impressed with Angela's home. Her interior design was spectacular and when I have my own house I'm making her come help me decorate. Now back to the story. We had a great time (well what I was there for anyway...) Maddox catered our meal, we got our sweet jackets, ate junk food, and made fleece blankets. This is Malissa and Ally and I. We are the typical Tues/Thurs crew and we have way too much fun. I think the management in the branch discovered our fun-having ways and has tried to split us up. Lately we haven't seen each other as often. However lucky for me other girls at work are fun too and we have just as good of times together. This is some of the gang sitting at Angela's counter and hanging in the kitched before the party got started. I'm jealous of Angela's Mac. I want one. In this picture, Heather is in pink sitting at the counter, Breanne is next to her, Cheryl (our manager) is standing near the wall, and Angela is facing her computer.
Jill is sporting her sexy Christmas socks. They have leopard print around the top haha.
Say hello to Breanne, Emily, and Heather. These are some crazy party animals I tell you what..
I couldn't pass up the chance to take a picture of Ally's PHENOMINAL truffles. They are oreo in the middle with milk chocolate shells drizzled in white chocolate. Yum.

Later that night Dewy and I made a gingerbread house, which was acutally a wooden house but it worked just as well. Austin begged to help, so he and Dewy and I created a masterpiece. It hasn't even been 24 hours and the house has been devoured by my ravenous siblings. This is the before shot. Our house is a candy virgin as of this point. Little did it know...
... that Austin and Dewy were about to get their hands on it. Nothin too crazy yet though.
This is the backyard of the house. Notice Dewy's frog farm and Austin's garden. Can't you tell that the chocolate bars are dirt and the orange skittles are his carrots? Austin doesn't realize carrots grow UNDERground. Also notice the air duct Dewy installed. Classy. Our chimney is slanted as well. Ha.
The finished product. Please ignore the fact that my windows are drooping and uneven and my door is crooked. No big. That snowman was my doing. I would bet its the best part of the house.

We Finally Met Him

Welp. Danielle's mystery man is no longer a mystery. I was almost certain he didn't exist, but alas we met him on Friday. The night was kind of hectic but once everything was in order we had a blast. Dewy and I, Alex and Jace, and Danielle and Brett all went to dinner at Appleby's in Riverdale. After dinner, we retreated to Dewy's for our signature game of Sequence. Good news. Dewy and I beat Jace and Alex. Revenge is sweet. They caught us laughing. Don't worry I only have four chins.
Wow. Danielle looks thrilled.
Poor Alex got sick later that night and we were sad to see her leave us early. Hope you are feeling better girl!

December 7, 1998--- Let Me Know What You Think

Grandma Cozie’s white mini van pulled into the Emergency Room parking lot. Grandpa Chuck helped my younger brother, Nick, and I out. I glimpsed up at Grandma’s face. Her brow knit with concern and heartache. The entrance to the ER peaked my 10-year-old senses. Doctors with blood-shot eyes scurried from partitioned room to open gurney. The soundtrack consisted of moans, mumbling, and monotonous beeping. The place smelled of Clorox, plastic, and sickness. The pit of my stomach hit my toes. My throat constricted. Taking short, fearful breaths I searched for something familiar. Seconds later I saw my father trudging towards me, emerging from the chaos. My stomach tightened, and my throat began to sting when I saw his tears.

Dad grasped Nick and I into a desperate embrace, mumbling an assurance to himself, “My kids. Oh my kids.” My eyes raced over his shoulder from stranger, to machine, to curtain, searching for hints. Dad slowly released us, took our tiny hands, and led us into a secluded area of the emergency room. Now my eyes began to sting. My stomach tightened once again as my anxiety soared.

Where is Mom? I want Mom.

Dad drew a curtain around us and took a seat. Tears cascaded down his face as he choked out a single word. “Cortney.” The gadgets and equipment blurred in my vision. The single word was the only explanation I needed. My fifth grade intelligence understood what Dad couldn’t explain. My baby sister was gone. Although surrounded by alien objects and unfamiliar people, I was alone.

Hysteria. My breath was ragged and unsatisfying. Tears tumbled down my cheeks, and a deep void filled my gut. The pain was physical and emotional. I ran. I had only one thought.

I NEED MOM.

Dad caught up and held me. Our embrace said all the words neither of us could utter. His sobs echoed mine. We helped each other cry. Finally I felt something familiar. I feasted upon his scent of clean laundry and masculinity. As his scruffy cheeks tickled mine, I allowed the emotion threatening to overtake me.

I was her big sister. It was my job to watch over her. I failed.

Dad led me back through the mayhem to the curtain hiding the rest of the family.

She sat in the middle of the group grieving, eyes muted and screaming the aloneness I felt. She gripped my five-month-old sister in her arms. Silently she rocked, her face stained with black mascara. She shuddered as silent tears fell from her cheeks into her lap. No blanket or embrace could deter the chill of despair that surrounded me. A porcelain doll, wrapped in a canary yellow hospital blanket, gently rocked in my mother’s arms. Cortney was gone.

Two Days Left

Cortney

Although not the first to experience such an event
I find a lonely feeling of darkness encompass me;
Threatening to consume my entire existence.
I long for another soul to connect with mine,
To embrace me, and offer an empathetic apology for my loss.
Another soul to simply understand.
She was just here offering a song of laughter, and all too suddenly
Her skin was pale clammy and her countenance resembled that of a porcelain doll.
The darkened room held a feeling of emptiness, and yet was bursting at the seams
Full of unfamiliar machines and sounds and individuals.
I remember fear.
The fear of holding her small body, and although it was impossible,
To somehow find a way to inflict pain or damage to her tiny limbs.
She was gone never to return and I was left
Left with a hole in my heart and a shadow overhead
That would forever remain along with my memory of her.

--November 2007

Five Days Left

In Memory of
Our tiny one,
Your presence left
So little time we've known
and though our thoughts
anticipate, our Father's will
Returned you home

But chosen
we were blessed a child
too perfect for this worldly place
find peace,
we'll meet again in time...

We'll recognize and Angel's face

Six Days Left

I'll lend you for a little time, a child of mine, he said,
For you to love the while she lives and mourn for when she's dead.
It may be six or seven years, or twenty-two or three,
But will you til I call her back take care of her for me?
She'll bring her charms to gladden you, and should her stay be brief,
You'll have her lovely memory as sorrow for your grief.
I cannot promise she will stay since all from earth return,
But there are lessons taught down there I want this child to learn.
I've looked the whole world over in my search for teachers true,
And from the throng that crowd life's land, I have selected you
Now will you give her all your love, not think your labor vain,
Nor hate me when I come to call to take her back again.
I fancied that I heard them say, "Dear Lord thy will be done!"
For all the joy the child shall bring, the risk of grief shall run.
We'll shelter her with tenderness, we'll love her while we may,
And for the happiness we've known, forever grateful stay.
But should the angels call for her much sooner than we've planned,
We'll brave the bitter grief that comes and try to understand.

100TH POST!!!!!!

This is officially my 100th blog post. Woot woot. Also, before I dive in to the topic if this post it has been brought to my attention that AMBERLITIOUS is misspelled. That was done on purpose. Let me explain. When I was in 5th grade my neighbor started calling me that. She never used my real name. Now, one day while at my aunt's house, my cousin decided I should have an email address like he did, so he set one up. He asked what I wanted it to be and after a few moments I decided on Amberlitious. My fifth grade mind was unsure how to spell such an extravagant word and the first word with a similar ending that came to mind was catious. I stole that ending. My dad mocks me because I should have thought of delicious, but alas the spellings stays. Now on to the post...

Sunday night Dewy, Jace, and Alex came over for game night. Kaylee made texas sheet cake (which Alex threatened to shove her face into) and my parents joined the four of us in a friendly game of sequence. The game went on, and on, and on, and on, and on... After three hours, Dewy and I had won three games, Alex and Jace had won three games, and mom and dad had won three games. It was the world series of sequence and game four (or game ten) was on the line. The winner of the last game takes all. I tell this part in all seriousness. No exaggeration needed. We played that last game for an eternity. Everyone refused to lose. We went through EVERY card in the deck and the board was almost covered. It was Jace's turn and his final card and he laid the winning chip. It took the very last play possible to end the game. Stupid Jace. Alex and I on the couch waiting for the games to begin. At least I was anyway... Alex was waiting for the cake.
As you can see, Alex is thrilled about the cake. Kaylee looks GORGEOUS.
This is the game board after the last game we played. If I count correctly there are only 6 blank spaces left. Good night.
The winners. Jace wanted to remind us of who won the game. Alex is just happy they won.
Dewy is wiping his tears at our devastating loss. We fought a valiant battle, but alas were not victorious. Please ignore my hair. My bangs look afright.